At a Tuesday night meeting marred by disruptions and the eventual ejection of the entire public gallery, Geelong council’s conservative bloc followed through on its dismantling of the previous council’s changes surrounding January 26.
The disruptions began when Councillor Eddy Kontelj began to introduce the agenda item, with community members calling out their opposition to the rollbacks.
The situation was further inflamed when supporters of Cr Kontelj’s motion confronted the protestors, attempting to shout them down.
With calls for a return to civility ignored, Mayor Stretch Kontelj ejected the gallery on security grounds and adjourned the meeting.
When the meeting resumed, Cr Kontelj again introduced the motion, which proposed that January 26 be called Australia Day in all municipal communications, confirmed council’s support for the date and discontinued any advocacy to the federal government for a change of date.
“By adopting tonight’s 26th of January officer report the people of Geelong will once again be represented by a council that recognises and acknowledges our past and present, and proudly celebrate Australia Day as proclaimed by the federal government, as it should be,” Cr Kontelj said.
“I want everything that we do in the future when it comes to acknowledging and celebrating Australia Day to be focused on all that is good and great about Australia and Geelong, and to acknowledge and celebrate our rich and valuable diversity, including that of our First Nations people.”
Cr Anthony Aitken expressed his sadness at the division on display at the meeting.
“We, certainly, as councillors should not be participating in any processes, actions, behaviours or words which are creating division within our community,” he said.
“It is clear to me that the date is too significant for people to continue on the 26th of January, and as a consequence we should be working with our community to see how we can bring unity and peace back to our community.
“If that means the date needs to be changed, I think we have a responsibility as councillors to participate in that process.”
The voting went along the same lines as it had in December ; Mayor Stretch Kontelj and Crs Chris Burson, Andrew Katos, Eddy Kontelj, Ron Nelson, Rowan Story and Trent Sullivan voted for the rollbacks, while Crs Anthony Aitken, Melissa Cadwell, Emma Sinclair and Elise Wilkinson voted against.
Earlier in the day a newly-formed coalition of First Nations organisations released a statement ahead of the meeting expressing its disappointment at the council’s intentions.
“We, the First Peoples United Together Djilang, held our inaugural meeting on January 22, 2025, on Wadawurrung Country,” the statement read.
“During this meeting, we passed a motion of no confidence in the City of Greater Geelong Mayor and Councillors.
“January 26 is not a day of celebration for First Nations Peoples, but one of mourning, survival, and remembrance. Changing the date is a powerful step towards understanding, healing and respect, so we can all celebrate this great country, together.”
